Addysafe.org is an Adderall and Ritalin harm reduction and safety guide.

Note

This advice applies if you are determined to take stimulants. The safest option is likely to not use stimulants, the second safest option is to use stimulants as responsibly as possible, and the most dangerous option is to use stimulants irresponsibly.

Addysafe is concerned with public health and the safety of people. We do not endorse the acquisition and use of illegal drugs. If you’re likely to use stimulants anyway due to a prescription, please do your research.

UPDATES

Recent Updates

Added supplement stack recommendations.

Research:

Memantine (Rx) can work well to reduce tolerance

Selegiline (Rx)

L-Tyrosine (after) (Helps replenish dopamine, which will help even out the highs and lows)

Vitamin C: 1000-2000mg (The acidity of vitamin-c will help reduce the effects of Adderall, making it easier to sleep)

Melatonin: 5-10mg roughly 30 minutes before bed (Keep in mind we are using a higher dose here for it's antioxidant properties. Normal dosages should be .5mg to 1mg.)

If you are on a significant Adderall spree, consider replacing a re-dose of Adderall with Caffeine.

POPPED AND READY TO GO

Tips for staying healthy during your stim session.

Health

Don't forget to stay hydrated

Don't drink acidic drinks until you are ready for the Adderall to wear off.

Even if you don't feel like it, EAT. Things like granola bars, glasses of milk, nuts, beef jerky etc are great at providing calories.

Avoid overheating: Overheating can increase neurotoxicity

Humans

How to not make your friends hate you.

Adderall can make not brushing your teeth or not showering feel okay. Keep up your damn hygiene!

"You're going to have to learn to be okay with knowing you're right in an argument, and keeping your mouth shut. It's a huge problem because you end up fighting tooth and nail about something you don't even care about, and alienating those close to you. It's kinda like that meme from the Big Lebowski; You're not wrong, you're just an asshole."

Don't be too damn energetic on Monday morning! Everyone else is struggling to get out of bed!

Sleep

Or, lack thereof.

Please, don't pull all nighters. 40 year old you will be pissed off.

Vitamin C or some acidic juice to blunt the Adderall absorption

Melatonin

25mg of Diphenhydramine will put you to sleep quickly, however tolerance to this builds quickly so don't use this often.

Activities/Productivity

How to maximize the study benefits of Adderall.

Set timers to switch between tasks. Adderall can make it difficult to remember to change tasks.

Write down all of the work you need to do, before you take the Adderall

"You will have a lot of energy to try and better yourself. Don't try to do so all at once or none of it will stick in the long run. As soon as you run out of energy it will fall apart. Instead, try to make small and modest permeant changes to your lifestyle and things will slowly come together. This is a good idea, sims or no."

THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP

Use the lowest doses possible, and use as infrequently as possible.

"Most of the painful side effects of stims are a result of intense downregulation of dopamine receptors and actual development of tolerance to dopamine."

Also, consider switching to Ritalin, which is likely to be less neurotoxic.

GENERAL TIPS

Adderall can be made far safer if some general guidelines are followed. Additionally, this will also help with reducing comedowns and other side effects.

Dosing and Moderation

When you first use Adderall, it will make you want to do things that you consider "work". This effect will go away. Upping the dosage may help slightly, however is extremely unadvisable.

An option: Give all of your Adderall to a roommate, and have them moderate your Adderall. (e.g. you can say that they will give you one Addy every 2 days, and that on certain days if you are really busy that you can receive as much as 2 pills, but no more)

Time off for heavy users: Aim to take at least one day a week off, and at least one week off every few months.

Time off for moderate users: Avoid dosing two days in a row.

In general, take it as infrequently as possible.

Adderall Drug Combinations

Avoid mixing with:

Caffeine or tobacco: You will sleep better and have softer comedowns. Additionally, adderall + caffeine/cigarettes/tobacco can cause a synergistic addiction to the caffeine - avoid.

Smoking too much marijuana on Adderall can harm your heart.

Alcohol: Generally not a good idea. Messes with your head.

General Health

Sleep well! Aim for 8 hours.

Eat well! Aim for 2 solid meals. The less processed food, the better. Aim for dark vegetables and fruits.

Pushing It Too Far

When should you take a few days off?

Any of the following?

Using Adderall or Vyvanse to pull all nighters lately?

Finding people and minor annoyances extremely frustrating?

Movements in the corners of your eyes?

Adderall not lasting as long?

Feel both exhausted and energetic at once?

Always feeling like you should be doing something, or are missing something?

If so:

Take a few days off.

Get extra sleep. Aim for 9 hours a night.

Eat well and avoid processed foods. Aim for lots of vegetables and fruit.